Powerful Writing Tips

Free resource materials to help you communicate more effectively are now available on my website:

Plain Language Tips – for business writing that is easy to read and easy to understand

Dynamic Tables and Graphs – to help you communicate with numbers

Effective PowerPoint Presentations – to visually enhance your public speaking

Resumes – a series of articles to help you prepare a killer resume

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Tarragona, Spain: Old Stones and Flowers

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I feel so at home in southern Spain - the sense of history, the warmth, the narrow streets, the outdoor lifestyle, the flowers, the attention to detail. I hope that my photographs can at least partially share my passion for this wonderful part of the world. History The Mediterranean was the centre of civilization for many, many, many centuries. Tarragona was a political and trade centre during the Roman empire, and there are still traces of it today in the Roman walls and gates, the ampitheatre and other relics. North Americans are infatuated with everything new and shiny - new housing estates, monster homes with four-car garages. The old streets of European cities are not always pretty, but the patina of age is rich in character and history. As I walk the cobblestone streets, I take my place alongside past generations who walked there before me. Current political debates or personal heartbreak are absorbed in something larger than any one person or generation. Outdoor L...
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Brit Foods: Saskatoon’s Very Own British Food Store

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My parents were British, and I have spent many happy months in England visiting family friends and relatives. I used to enjoy shopping at the Canadian outlets of Marks & Spencer and was very sorry when they closed, so I was delighted to learn that Saskatoon now has its very own British food store. Brit Foods is located in Cumberland Square, in the covered alleyway just down from Safeway. It’s a treasure trove of British food. The owner, Tony Badger, says they try to stock the national brands, so you’ll find soups by Marks & Spencer and Baxter’s, Yorkshire and Typhoo tea, Heinz beans, Rose’s preserves, Thornton’s chocolates, and Walker’s chips. In addition to the food products (primarily packaged although there are pork pies and a few other items in the freezer), there is an entire wall devoted to loose candies. You can also pick up a linen tea towel or an English magazine. There is a second Brit Foods in Parksville on Vancouver Island, but Mr. Badger says that the demog...
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Poached Breakfast Bistro

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A relaxed atmosphere and comfort food that feels like an indulgence The sun streams through the large front window, and there are white cloths and fresh flowers on the tables. The menu tempts me with poached eggs over asparagus or French toast with caramelized apples and pears. Poached Breakfast Bistro at 259 Second Avenue South is an oasis of tranquillity and luxury in an otherwise workaday world. “I’ve had some wonderful breakfasts when I was travelling,” explains Poached’s operator/owner, Chad Venne. “I wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere where people can enjoy comfort food that feels like an indulgence.” Poached by day and Flint by night The restaurant at 259 Second Avenue South has a split personality. Flint Saloon opened four years ago and offers a wide-ranging drinks menu, cheese and charcuterie plates. It is open from 4 pm to 2 am daily. Poached Breakfast Bistro opened in July of 2010. It’s open from 8 am to 2 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Chad and Mark Gabruch, th...
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Flavourful Saskatoon, September 16, 2013

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  Thank Ewes Festival, Sept. 21  If you’ve never tried The Cheesiry ’s cheese, this is your chance – it’s great! Head over to the Cheesiry (Highway 16 between Kitscotty and Lloydminster, south ¼ mile on Range Road 24 to the farm with three silos on September 21 for two different events. They’re hosting a family festival in the afternoon with lots of fun family activities, including riding a sheep, craft, milking and tours. In the evening, there will be a four-course meal and wine pairing. Chilean Winemaker & Riedel Glass Seminar, Sept. 26  Join Doug Reichel and Alvaro Paredes, Winemaker for Torreon de Paredes at 6 pm , September 26 for a winetasting and demonstration of the Riedel glassware. The event is part of Premier . I’ve attended in the past and have thoroughly enjoyed the quiet, relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to meet and talk with a leading winemaker. Choose Your Favorite, Sept. 28  There are so many Saskatoon berry products now avai...
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Exploring Mediterranean Spain: wine, cheese, markets, architecture

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As some of you know, I leave on Tuesday, April 5 for a three-week holiday in Spain. I fly into Barcelona and then travel south along the coast via Tarragona to Alicante before doing a loop inland to Murcia and Jumilla, then returning back up the coast to Valencia and Barcelona. This is southern Spain with traces of the early Roman and Moorish settlers. It’s the garden of Spain with rice paddies, oranges and vegetables galore. And it’s grape-growing country with lots and lots of wineries (bodegas). Map of Spain by Tourizm Maps © 2006 Tourizm Maps Highlights It’s shaping up to be a really interesting trip. Here are just a few highlights: Alicante – Mireia of Mandarinablue Tours will be taking me to visit some wineries – I think it will be similar to this tour that she offered recently. Mireia has also arranged for me to have a tour of Alicante with one of her colleagues and has given me a list of vegetarian restaurants and bakeries in Alicante. Jumilla – Sue and Joh...
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